EAC partner states warned on increased risk for disease outbreaks

People jump onto boda bodas to cross water after the rain. This was between Police Children’s School in Kibuli and police training grounds Kibuli a Kampala suburb where water blocked the way. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA.

Above normal rainfall is expected in the East African region over the next few months, a scenario that could expose the region to increased risks of disease outbreaks.

This forecast is based on the regional climate outlook for the March to May 2019 long rainfall season provided by the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum held in Entebbe, Uganda.

James Kivuva, the Senior Meteorologist, who represented the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat at Forum warned that the higher than normal rainfall would increase the risk for outbreaks of infectious diseases. Kivuva urged EAC Partner States to be on the alert, inform the public, and put preparedness and mitigation measures in place while closely monitoring the rainfalls.

Between October and December 2018 parts of the region experienced a late start and early end of rains. However, above to near normal rainfalls were experienced in parts of Tanzania and in the Western parts of the region. Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda even reported flooding with landslides that impacted on some communities in the Eastern region where some lives were lost.

For March to May the climate predictions indicate an increased likelihood of above to near normal rainfalls over much of the equatorial sector. “Most parts of the region are likely to have an earlier seasonal rain onset, but the rains will also end earlier than usual,” said Kivuva.

“There is an increased chance for flash and riverine flooding mainly in the flood prone areas of the EAC Partner States, which might trigger landslides, mudslides and enhance the risk for outbreaks of infectious diseases with consequences for sectors such as health and agriculture including livestock,” he added.

The officer warned that flooding was likely to cause mass mosquito breeding that can transmit Malaria in humans and Rift Valley Fever (RFV) in animals and humans. “Already, the first cases of RVF in animals and humans have been reported from Kenya. Flooding increases the risk for diarrheal diseases, like cholera, especially in low laying areas,” said Kivuva.

On a positive note, the rain falls are good for the crop, if they are not excessive, and also for the pastoralist’s prospects. There is also a likelihood of a reduction in fall army worm infestation, as high rains are unfavorable for their multiplication.

“This would increase food security. The expected enhanced rains would also bring some relief, especially in areas that suffered from low rain falls and even droughts in the past season.”

In an effort to prevent and mitigate disease outbreaks in the region, Kivuva urged Partner States to undertake with the following precautionary measures:

The animal and human health disease surveillance units should actively monitor the disease trends in the affected areas;

Citizens should protect themselves and especially children against mosquito bites. Adequate measures are the use of impregnated mosquito nets, personal insect repellents, if available light coloured clothing (long-sleeved shirts and trousers) and avoiding outdoor activities at peak biting times of mosquitos.

Livestock farmers should contact the veterinary services for early information on vaccinating their animals against RVF.

People in contact with ruminants should practice hand hygiene, wear gloves and other appropriate individual protective equipment when handling sick animals or their tissues or when slaughtering animals;

In case of an RVF outbreak, people should avoid consuming fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue and products without thoroughly roasting them;

The Ministries of Health should intensify social mobilisation and health promotion efforts with preventive messages that enable the public to manage the risks at hand.

The Meteorology departments should continue to monitor and analyse the weather patterns and share information with other departments to plan and prepare for outbreaks of infectious diseases of public health concern.

The Climate Outlook Forum meets on a quarterly basis to formulate mitigation strategies for key socioeconomic sectors in this region, such as agriculture, health and infrastructure. The meetings provide a regional platform for decision makers, climate scientists, research scientists as well as users of climate information.